The demand for goods and services often increases after natural disasters, and that makes Gaylord residents more vulnerable to scams following the tornado.
On Monday, the Attorney General sent investigators to Gaylord to look into reported instances of price gouging.
Michigan law prohibits prices that are "grossly in excess” of the cost of similar goods or services, but does not specifically prohibit price gouging in direct response to a disaster.
Homeowners should also be wary of contractor fraud.
Adrienne Woodland is a spokesperson for triple A. She says
Gaylord residents could be victimized by dishonest contractors
if they’re not careful when dealing with the aftermath of the tornado.
“We’re urging homeowners to be leary of contractors who go door to door in damaged neighborhoods, offering cleanup or repair services after a catastrophe such as the tornado that we just saw in Gaylord,” Woodland said.
Residents should only work with licensed and insured contractors. Woodland also advises residents to check references and get the numbers of their contractors license and license plate.
“If something sounds fishy, report it to your insurance company immediately,” she said.
Triple A has not yet found any instances of contractor fraud, but Woodland says it is still early in the process.
If you think someone may be responsible for contractor fraud, you can report it anonymously by calling the National Insurance Crime Bureau at 1-800-835-6422 or submitting a form online.
If you believe a retailer is price gouging, contact the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division at 877-765-8388 or file an online complaint.
